The Hornet project was known as Model 267 by its prime contractor, McDonnell Douglas. Model 267 retained the overall configuration of the Northrop YF-17 LWF prototype, with its two engines, twin outward-canted vertical tail surfaces and leading-edge extensions (LEX, or also LERX, leading-edge wingroot extensions).
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In other ways, the Hornet was quite different from the YF-17. Unrelated to the LEX, the original YF-17 was outfitted with nose strakes (narrow horizontal "fins" along the nose at 3 and 9 o'clock) for attitude stability. Found to be unnecessary, they were deleted when the redesigned F/A-18 appeared with its lengthened and deepened nose (necessary to accommodate the radar set).
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Primary manufacturer, The Boeing Company (formerly McDonnell Douglas Corporation), is responsible for the forward fuselage and wings. Major subcontractor Northrop Grumman produces the aircraft's center and aft fuselage sections, the twin vertical stabilizers and all associated subsystems. General Electric produces the engines and Hughes the radar systems. To date, this team has delivered over 1,400 Hornet strike fighters.
